Dorothy Arlene Erickson

Dorothy Arlene Erickson age 80 of Detroit Lakes, MN, died peacefully on Monday January 12, 2015 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. Dorothy was born to Charles and Annie (Stanforth) Schnitzer on January 5, 1935 at home in Erie Township during a blizzard. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Dorothy attended the Erie Township School and Detroit Lakes High School, graduating in the class of 1953. Dorothy married Harold Erickson on June 9, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church. Dorothy and Harold farmed and ranched their entire married lives north of Little Floyd Lake on the Erickson family farm, where they raised both commercial and purebred Simmental cattle. Dorothy loved country life, being outdoors, and animals. The coffee pot was always on and there was always an abundant assortment of cookies, bars, and treats for anyone who stopped by the farm. This past year Dorothy lived at the Cottages of Ecumen Community, where she met new friends, participated in activities, and was cared for by a compassionate staff. Surviving Dorothy are two daughters, Mary (Allan) Stoen and JoLeen (David) Shodean both of Detroit Lakes, MN; one sister, Elsie (Arvid) Thompson, of Barnesville, MN; one brother, Alfred (Marlene) Schnitzer, of Detroit Lakes, MN; one sister in law, Janice Schnitzer, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents; husband, Harold (2005); and one brother, Carl.